MUSD Innovation Campus continues to take shape with Phase 2 completion

Student pathways to successful and sustainable careers continue to be front and center with the realization of each phase of the MUSD Innovation Campus, which recently celebrated the Phase 2 completion with a September 20th ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“It is thrilling to see the vision of our community becoming a model for the Global Silicon Valley,” Superintendent Cheryl Jordan said. “Through our conversations with the leaders of national manufacturing and engineering organizations such as SEMI Foundation and the Society of Women Engineers, we know that this campus will be a model for others to emulate in order to develop learners who will design and drive our future industries.”   

A state-of-the-art E-sports lab, recording studio, art studio, and trio of science labs are among the Phase 2 highlights of this technologically-driven MUSD Innovation Campus, a multidisciplinary learning facility available to high school students through the Calaveras Hills High School alternative program and the Milpitas High School Extension at MUSD Innovation Campus program.

“This new space opens up a world of opportunities for the young adults of Milpitas to thrive and grow in an environment built for their success,” shared Jonathan Payne, CHHS admin in charge. “As staff, teachers and administrators, we’re committed to pushing forward, making sure we meet each student where they are and help them reach their full potential. This is a team effort, and together, Milpitas High and Calaveras Hills, we’re creating spaces where every student can shine.”

Milpitas High School Principal and Chief Innovator of New Programs Greg Wohlman concurs: “In a world asking for changes in public education you do not see Milpitas Unified answering with a cheap add-on or fad, or folding altogether under the pressure and saying it is too hard. Instead you see this. In Milpitas we choose to stay relevant as we continue to reimagine alongside our students and community.”

The second phase consists of two new, flexible-learning, L-shaped classroom buildings (the permanent home of Calaveras Hills HS), surrounding an expansive central courtyard with a full-length basketball court, shade structures and  seating, a ‘Building A Culture of WE’ donors paver circle, and plenty of outdoor learning spaces. In addition, an existing building was modernized to provide Career Technical Education (CTE) lab space for robotics and advanced manufacturing courses.

“The MUSD Innovation Campus will be a hub of influence as we strive to provide creative student-focused strategies to ensure healthy learning environments, that is MUSD Strategic Goal #5,” said Board of Education President Minh Ngo. “We maximize every Measure AA dollar to achieve our Strategic Goal #3 in developing educational pathways that allow students to apply their passion in learning for their future careers.”

This newest phase adds to the educational cache of the sprawling innovative campus, which already includes the KLA STEAM Lab, Milpitas Adult Education, and the MUSD district offices within those four eco-friendly, modern buildings of the initial phase that opened in August 2023.

“This is an exceptional time for Adult Education and its learners. In August of 2023 we embarked on a new journey moving to the MUSD Innovation Campus, our new school site and Phase II is a reflection of our community’s investment for the present and future generations, while honoring those who paved the way,” shared MAE Principal Giuliana Brahim. “The word commitment rooted from Latin committere ‘to unite, connect, combine; to bring together’  says it all. I am extremely proud of ALL who bring together the passion and commitment to our learners and their families.”

Collectively, all seven buildings feature a variety of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) classrooms and labs, career development spaces, offices and conference rooms, independent study spaces and multiple indoor and outdoor collaboration areas. Through partnerships with educational institutions, businesses, and governance, MUSD Innovation Campus will provide training and education that support growing and emerging career fields and practical career simulation. Flexible classrooms, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) labs and a Learning Hub support spaces that accommodate a wide variety of programming for Milpitas students of all ages.

“The focus of secondary education must be concentrated on providing our children inspiring pathways, rigorous academics, and a school experience to the ‘why,’” added Senior Board Trustee Chris Norwood. “The opening of Phase 2 of the MUSD Innovation Campus will be part of that journey with our MUSD Middle College High School extension and partnership with San Jose Community College Evergreen District.”

A third and final phase will complete the overall vision of supporting Milpitas learners from early childhood through adulthood by adding a Workforce Development Center, Early Childhood Education Research Center, and a Board of Education governance board room.
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“The future of the country starts in California. But I think the future of California starts right here in Milpitas,” said Assemblymember Lee, a proud product of MUSD’s  Sinnott Elementary School, Rancho Milpitas Middle School and graduated from Milpitas High School (2009-2013).